Desi creativity: Saying goodbye to comfort zones

The inspiration behind these concept shoots was to really push our creative boundaries. Our team wanted to create something that was creative, powerful, and showcased dark-skinned Desi beauty.

In the Desi community and culture, dark-skinned women are often left in the shadows, and yes, representation is growing but at a very slow rate. Instead of relying on other creatives to include and allow dark-skinned women to take up space, we took the initiative to create some magic. 

“Instead of trying to lighten my skin, she [Keerti] saw the richness and depth of it.”

To be completely honest, I have a long history of being excluded because of my dark skin and I rarely feel comfortable around others and in spaces. One of these spaces is being in a makeup artists’ chair, however, when I met Keerti and saw the skill level of her makeup application, my mind was put at ease. Instead of trying to lighten my skin, she saw the richness and depth of it. We wanted the makeup to highlight my natural features and skin, and for the authenticity to be showcased.

Keerti is extremely talented and it shows through her work; she was able to do multiple looks without making my skin look ashy, cakey, or dull. Keerti was also not afraid to work with colour and knew exactly how to work with my dark skin. 

It was the first time Keerti and I had ever done anything like this, and we are so proud of the results. We are our own biggest critics and even though there are some flaws for us, this just means it’s another opportunity to grow and do better. 

We hope this melanated-filled photo journal brings you joy!

Photographer: @ashleypatel96

MUA: @slaaybykaay & @keertisaini

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